Local group collecting donations for Syrian refugees in Turkey

KITCHENER — As another cold winter approaches, the local interfaith community is collecting donations to help the thousands of Syrian refugees displaced since civil war erupted in March 2011.

From Nov. 19 to 21, donations ranging from warm clothing to children’s toys will be accepted by the group Interfaith Bridge Building at the drop off site located at 14 Melinda St. in Kitchener.

Azam Fouk Aladeh, one of the organizers collecting donations, said he hopes Canadians will show their support for the Syrian refugees as they’ve done for civilians in other nations during times of crisis.

“I think it’s a problem for all human beings,” said Aladeh, who came to Canada from Syria in 2003.

While he struggles to watch news reports of cities he used to live in being bombed, Aladeh said sending donations is at least one way to help.

Organizers are asking the public to donate:

• Warm clothes and shoes

• Blankets, bedding or sleeping bags

• Baby diapers and feminine care products

• Hygiene products such as toothbrushes

• Colouring books and stationary

• Learning tools or school material for children

This collection is held in conjunction with a Toronto initiative. Students from York University will be collecting donations from Waterloo Region, Oakville and Toronto and shipping the good to Syrian refugees based in Turkey.